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Monday, June 6, 2016

Meeting the new fawns

I went out to meet newly born fawn at Roku-en (Deer Shelter) in Nara Park.

The place
is within the grove of the Kasuga Grand Shrine.

At this den, a part of Roku-en, some of pregnant deer, mothers and fawns

are open to the public throughout June from 11:00 to 14:00.

The gate under the stand leads to more spacious Roku-en including Fawn Shelter.

Pregnant
deer, mothers, and fawns are sheltered temporarily at the Fawn Shelter

to avoid
troubles between people and deer.

Mother deer can become quite aggressive to
protect their babies and could attack people

while if their babies are touched
by people, mothers tend to neglect or reject babies due to human scent.

(Injured
deer and deer with poor health are also sheltered at the Roku-en.

When they recover, they go back to Nara Park.)

About 200 does will give birth this season.

A newly born fawn stands on its own in 15 minutes to an
hour after birth

and suckles mother’s milk for the first time.

Mothers feed
babies a few times a day.

Generally mothers can recognize their babies by scent
and voice but babies hardly can.

Right
after birth, fawns spend their most of their time hiding themselves in the
bushes or behind objects to avoid being seen by predators.

In the den, several blocks are placed for them to hide themselves.

The fawns come out a
few times of a day to drink their mother’s milk.

This block is so packed. Whose mother are you?

When the baby below came to rest here, the place was in the shade, but not now.

Some mothers put their babies
into the block right after giving birth

but his/her mother doesn't seem to have done so.

Isn't it hot there?
Stand up and walk several steps, and you'll be in the shade.

This baby's hiding place is here.

Mothers and fawns will be released to Nara Park in July, from when babies’ wild
life start.

In
November last year, I found this fawn seemingly hiding in the bush.

Deer in Nara Park are wild animals.

People have responsibility for the warning to avoid troubles.

135 traffic accidents of deer in 2014 is alarming.

Most of the reasons is being chased by people or dogs or jumping into the road

when deer see people with food on the other roadside.

I feel bitter when people are forgetting dogs are natural enemies to deer.

I'm so grateful to all the staffs of Shika Aigo Kyokai (Foundation for the Protection of Deer in Nara),

who spare no efforts for the coexistence of people and deer.

On my way back from the den, I met a herd of deer devouring fresh leaves from the cut branches.

Deer eat grass, leaves, nuts, flower petals, and the likes.

You can buy and give them Deer crackers as their snacks.

Deer crackers are healthy food made of rice bran.

Don't give them something spicy, sweet, or fatty, please.

Rainy season set in the other day.
The floral symbols of Japanese rainy season, hydrangeas and irises,
are already in bloom much earlier than usual.
Viewing these flowers or meeting adorable fawns would be one of the refreshing pastime
during the rainy season.

42 comments:

How sweet the little ones are! It would be unusual for so many deer to gather and find protection in one park in my world. In fact, some people that live in the countryside get annoyed that the deer eat from their gardens and trees. It seems the deer in Japan, however, are loved unconditionally by almost everyone and have few predators other than vehicles and traffic. How nurturing that despite relatively safe circumstances, mothers guide the newly born into hiding. I think it is much like a baby that feels safer bundled in a blanket.

About the dogs: There are many places for pets to roam yet people still ignore the “no dogs allowed” signs to give wildlife a few select places where they can feel safe.

Dear Yoko - I always find it interesting that so many newborn baby animals have such a strong inbuilt instinct to survive in both their surroundings and from predators.You have captured some lovely images of both the fawns and their mothers. The nursery looks a very happy and relaxed place for them all to mature until they are released into Nara Park during July.

Another fantastic set of photographs, this time of fauna rather than flora. Deer seem to be so sweet, but that's because we anthropomorphize them and forget that no matter how sweet they look, they remain, as you say, wild animals and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, people don't understand the needs of deer or care about those needs and thus the animals get injured or killed. I love this sanctuary where does can carry their young and give birth in relatively safe surroundings.

Also I want to complement you again on the quality of your photos. I sometimes felt that I could reach out and touch the rather wiry hair (fur) of the deer. It is a wonderfully well-done post and I appreciated it greatly.

such wonderful images of the deer and the fawns! yes, people love to try and have an intimate relationship with wildlife, for the most part not a good idea. you have reminded me that our mother deer are most likely pregnant too. I will look and think of you.

I've seen lots of deer in my life, but never that many at one time, and all pregnant females. The fawns are just adorable, aren't they? We don't see many deer in summer, but in the winter, some of them come to eat the ornamental crabapples on our tree. Frozen food...doesn't appeal to me, but they love it. They stand on their hind legs to reach the fruit farther up.Kay

This is so cute. I didn't know the public was able to observe the moms and babies from so close. I am very excited about deer. Two weekends ago we visited Sequoia National Park and we observed deer every day we visited the park (4 days).

Wow! I absolutely adore these adorable baby fawns. How lovely you could capture them so wonderfully close and show them to us playing around in their natural habitat. They are such a joy to the tourists and the locals alike. I remember having a beautiful time feeding and playing with them during my visit in Nara. While they offer such profound happiness, it is very sad to hear about the alarming number of accidents that happen. I wish more care is taken for their protection and shelter.

Just a couple of days and rainy season will soon set in, in Mumbai too. Hope you are enjoying yours dear Yoko. Greetings ~

This post tops the charts for cuteness, Yoko! The little ones "hiding" to protect themselves are so cute. You do wonder how the mamas know which fawn belongs to them. What a fun place to visit with your camera! My Grandchildren would love seeing these Nara deer.

With precious images as these, it does not surprise that the deer form a part indispensably of Nara's image. It must be wonderful to have the opportunity to enjoy his presence in the city. Equally interesting it has to be learn to coexist with them, to respect his space and not to exceed the limits that allow one suitable balance between them and the persons. Undoubtedly the persons who contribute his collaboration in order that this happens in a best possible way develop a great labor

How lovely to get such an insight into the breeding of the fawns. As they are wild animals, I had somehow thought that they would just give birth somewhere by themselves. But of course they wouldn't have been left alone by people, and wouldn't have looked after the babies properly. It is so interesting to me to see the park in its early summer colours.

How lovely to get such an insight into the breeding of the fawns. As they are wild animals, I had somehow thought that they would just give birth somewhere by themselves. But of course they wouldn't have been left alone by people, and wouldn't have looked after the babies properly. It is so interesting to me to see the park in its early summer colours.

Thank you very much for your visit and left a comment.Your pictures are great and show the wonderful animals.On my meadow I am watching deer and her two small children.This is a very beautiful view.Greetings from Poland.Lucja

I really like these pictures of the deer and the fawns. There are so many of them in Nara Park! I was enjoying coffee with a friend at her house last week, and a mother deer and a tiny fawn came out of the bushes into the garden. We sat very still and quiet, and enjoyed the sight of such beautiful wild creatures. Sadly, my camera was inside the house, so no pictures!!

A post full of tenderness and Yoko life. these deer are in paradise. The photos are beautiful. Near here we have the National Park Monfragüe. Where they live in freedom.Again by aquí.He I have been unemployed for a medical problem, and all well and running again.Buen viernes.Besos.

Dear Yoko,Thanks a million for adorable pictures and story. Cutest little creatures! I love your tips for a rainy season. What can be more enjoyable? Probably, sitting by the pond in that traditional garden with a Tea House (can't recall the name), sipping brown rice tea, reading something inspirational. It is always a relief and a welcome break to visit your blog. I might be repeating myself, but that's true. Somehow I come here when I have my hands full.Right now we are back home after the refurbishment which lasted about a fortnight. The house looks renovated but there's a real lot to do. Take care and enjoy full moon))) Yours, most devoted reader and friend,Irina

Those little fawns are so charming. I had not seen blocks for them to hide, but then I have not seen a park like yours with so many fawns and deer. Your photos are a delight. I really enjoyed your post.

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Welcome to my blog, and my world! I’m a Japanese, born and raised in Kobe, a cosmopolitan port city, and now living in Nara, the cradle of Japanese culture. I'm happy to share things and places I love with you and exchange ideas and thoughts. Thank you for stopping by and taking time.

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the sea of Kobe westward

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Do few things, but do them well.
Simple joys are holy.

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